A VALE food producer has denied claims of ‘dismissing’ more than 100 staff but did confirm a number of people are on notice as a result of restructuring.
In a statement to the Observer, Kanes Foods’ CEO Steve Corby said the firm is still owned by the Randall family and has ‘no plans’ for any large-scale redundancies following an anonymous email sent to this paper.
The email said: “Kanes Foods’, after change of owner, dismiss more than 100 people.”
The firm, which is based in Middle Littleton with its £30million eco-friendly salad factory, sells millions of packed fresh produce including washed and ready-to-eat salads, prepared and stir-fry vegetable mixes to supermarkets each week.
And due to the seasonal nature of the industry, the size of Kanes Foods’ workforce ‘regularly fluctuates’ Mr Corby added.
But, in denying more than 100 members of staff had been let go, Mr Corby did confirm a number of staff have been put on notice at the same time as recruiting new staff.
Mr Corby said: “Kanes Foods continues to be privately-owned by members of the Randall family.
“As we work in a seasonal category the size of our workforce regularly fluctuates to adapt to the changing retail landscape.
“At the moment, we are both recruiting in some areas and restructuring in others. Whilst this does mean that a number of people are on notice we will look to reallocate those individuals into suitable alternative roles wherever possible and have no plans for any large-scale redundancies at this time.”
